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Special Events

Earth Day Extravaganza


Earth Day Extravaganza

Earth Day's history is rooted in 1960s activism. In 1969, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin campaigned for the environment.  By the end of 1970, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was created to improve air and water quality.  Today, April 22nd is recognized as the official Earth Day, a time to educate and raise awareness about environmental issues like global warming, buying “green” products, and improving air and water quality.

In 2007, Lisa Beursken, District Coordinator for Erie County Solid Waste Management District, began an event called Earth Day Extravaganza to educate the local community and raise awareness about environmental issues.  Originally, Earth Day Extravaganza was held within the Sandusky Mall and co-sponsored by Erie County Soil & Water Conservation.  This event provided informational displays from local vendors, as well as, school contests and activities.  In 2011, Erie MetroParks, Erie County Solid Waste Management District, and Erie County Soil & Water Conservation District decided to move Earth Day Extravaganza to Osborn MetroPark and hold the event outside!

Ongoing activities at Earth Day Extravaganza include:

  • Recycled crafts
  • Vendor displays
  • Face painting
  • “Re-Fashion” and Environmental Poster contests
  • Children’s activities
  • Nature Nook Gift Shop


Look Who’s Walking Wellness Program


Erie MetroParks Look Who’s Walking Wellness Program

In a joint partnership between Erie County Health Department, Erie MetroParks, and City of Sandusky Recreation Division, Look Who’s Walking Wellness Program entered its sixth year and continues to grow!  This collaborative effort began to encourage healthier choices within our community.

Look Who’s Walking Wellness Program highlights for 2012:

  • 10 walks between April 9th and August 20nd
  • All walks are on Mondays at 6:30pm
  • 4 free stress-buster sample classes between April and August

Visit www.eriecohealthohio.org or www.eriemetroparks.com for information about this year’s walking schedule!

 

Go Take a Hike

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Go Take a Hike on eleven of Erie MetroParks most beautiful trails between September 9th & December 11th! Choose from eleven designated trails, and if you complete eight trails you will receive an Arkansas Walking Stick or 2012 Leather Medallion.

Participants will receive a special medallion for every five years they complete the program. Dogs that complete eight trails will receive a MetroParks bandana or Leather Medallion!

Check back to download a registration form!

 

Harvest Happenings Fall Community Festival

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Originally, this festival began with a tractor show sponsored by Firelands Pioneer Power Association.   A few years later, Erie MetroParks partnered with Firelands Pioneer Power to develop a fall festival for the local community.  Now, Harvest Happenings Community Fall Festival is an annual two day event held on the first weekend in October. Join us on October 6th and 7th this year from 11am-5pm!

 

Sponsors of Harvest Happenings include:

  • Firelands Pioneer Power Association
  • Heritage Society of Erie County
  • Firelands Audubon Society
  • Friends of Old Woman Creek
  • Erie MetroParks

This festival continues to grow and draws thousands with activities including:

  • Face painting
  • Live music
  • Children’s pedal pull
  • Pumpkin painting
  • Food and craft vendors
  • Hayrides   

In addition to ongoing activities, Harvest Happenings also features:

  • The All Star Classic Cruise-In Car Show on Saturday
  • Firelands Pioneer Power Association Engine & Tractor Show
  • Back to the Wild live animal displays
  • Petting zoo by Ohio Horseman’s Council of Erie County
  • Nature Nook Gift Shop inside the Frost Center 

Run Like An Animal

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Erie MetroParks and Firelands Area Runners Club have partnered to offer an annual trail run! On November 3, 2012 you can challenge yourself with a trail fun at Edison Woods MetroPark in Berlin Heights. Prizes will be given to each top male and female runners! Check back for the 2012 Registration Form!

Click here to see the RLA Race Results of 2011!